The anti-terrorism protocol was activated as the Swiss Guard blocked access to the small state over this incident involving a man who had apparently been drugged
The area around St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican was the scene this Sunday where a motorist was charged who skipped a checkpoint and attacked the Carabinieri, who eventually fired a shot that hit one of the vehicle’s wheels. Fearing it could be an attack, Italian police activated anti-terrorism protocol while Swiss Guards blocked access to the Vatican from the door of the Holy Office. The incident ended with the arrest of the driver, a 39-year-old Albanian with a criminal record showing clear signs of being under the influence of a drug.
The man, driving a BMW, had caught the attention of the local police in the pedestrian zone of the Pantheon, so they asked him to stop. He did not and fled at high speed through the streets of the center of the Italian capital until he reached Via de la Conciliazione, the large avenue that ends in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. At that time it was full of tourists and faithful, because shortly after the Angelus prayer of Pope Francis took place from the window of the Apostolic Palace.
After passing through Paolo VI Street, which borders one of the “arms” of Bernini’s colonnade, the vehicle stopped in Santo Oficio Square, where two Carabinieri got out of their cars to try to stop the vehicle. The man then fled again, knocking down some of the checkpoint barriers, while one of the officers shot him into one of the car’s wheels to try and stop him, hitting him squarely in the tire.
Despite this, the person continued to flee as he was chased by several police and Carabinieri patrols, who were eventually able to block him on a nearby street. Before being arrested, the man rammed the car into two officers, who suffered minor injuries. To immobilize him it was necessary to use a stun gun as he refused to get out of the car. He is already on trial, although due to his condition he had to be taken to hospital for alleged drug use.
An open investigation is underway to clarify whether the incident has a terrorist motivation, for which there are initially no indications. The Albanian has a history of drug crime, violence and family abuse. During his flight through the streets of central Rome, he is said to have thrown his wallet and watch out of the car window.
Source: La Verdad
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